Apparently these motors use coils to bleed off power at low speed, as heat. So they are inefficient at lower speeds. Look up the PWM trolling motor control box builds - it makes them more efficient at lower speed. I built one for mine, did seem to make a difference, but not too relevant to me now since I got a 100ah battery, but may be for kayak use down the track with a smaller battery.
Good information. I'm wrestling between Watersnake's very light ASP series for my kayak, vs picking up a used Minn Kota or Motor Guide in my area. I noted that there does not seem to be an obvious electronic board inside the motor head, so I suspected no PWM. Actually, it was sort of a plus for me as several used motors have mentioned circuit board failures. So are the Watersnake motors generally brushless. It seems that every quality battery powered tool I buy lately has gone that route. Also, I am concerned by some info that I've stumbled on that says that Watersnake motors are not rated to use on Lithium batteries. Well, in a kayak, that is a deal killer! Interested in all feedback!
I purchased one of these WS44 motors for a 2.6 alloy hull inflatable. Best investment I’ve made in years. I run it with a 25amphr lithium battery. One hour exactly at full power. It replaces a 2hp yammy. Way way better.
Good video mate. Is the watersnake still going strong? Im looking at getting a watersnake slx 54/42 for my old 3.7m savage snipe. Was thinking a 200ah battery and getting rid of the old johnson 2 stroke all together. I know it wont set any speed records but just want some quiet hassle free fishing. Cheers mate.
Thank you! Yes the Watersnake is still going great but I've plumped for an ePropulsion which is all sorts of awesome. 200AH will have you going all week. I plugged my Watersnake into a 19AH lithium battery that I have and it was able to run flat-out for just under 30 minutes on my 2.5m tinny. They are a very impressive motor for the price as long as you're not in a hurry. All the best, Tony.
Hello. I am also looking at a water snake for my savage snipe. I’m interested to know. Have you used it on your boat yet and what is the outcome like? I was thinking of 44/36. Mark.
@@markjurcec9267 Hi Mark, Yes I used the water snake successfully for over a year and it was (is) great. I've just upgraded to an Epropulsion but I can recommend the watersnake for tender craft use and for small boats where speed is not a priority. The 44/36 is light, economical and very sturdy for the price. Despite what some people say, I used a lithium battery with no adverse effects. All the best, Tony.
Yes what mudbutton said.... Pulse Width Modulator.... i just got all the parts, adds a controller that only sends amount the motor needs.... not sure why the heck they would design a motor to waste precious battery life..
Apparently these motors use coils to bleed off power at low speed, as heat. So they are inefficient at lower speeds. Look up the PWM trolling motor control box builds - it makes them more efficient at lower speed. I built one for mine, did seem to make a difference, but not too relevant to me now since I got a 100ah battery, but may be for kayak use down the track with a smaller battery.
That's interesting. I'll take a look.
That’s why people use a Pulse Width Modulator PWM DC Motor Speed Control Switch Controller.
This allows 0-100% by pulsing….
Good information. I'm wrestling between Watersnake's very light ASP series for my kayak, vs picking up a used Minn Kota or Motor Guide in my area. I noted that there does not seem to be an obvious electronic board inside the motor head, so I suspected no PWM. Actually, it was sort of a plus for me as several used motors have mentioned circuit board failures. So are the Watersnake motors generally brushless. It seems that every quality battery powered tool I buy lately has gone that route. Also, I am concerned by some info that I've stumbled on that says that Watersnake motors are not rated to use on Lithium batteries. Well, in a kayak, that is a deal killer! Interested in all feedback!
I purchased one of these WS44 motors for a 2.6 alloy hull inflatable. Best investment I’ve made in years. I run it with a 25amphr lithium battery. One hour exactly at full power. It replaces a 2hp yammy. Way way better.
I shortened the shaft also. Best bit is just rinse it off unlike the yammy. I overnight regularly and use it for short trips to shore. Perfect.
Thanks for your comments. 1 hour on a 25ah lithium is impressive! All the best, Tony.
Nice review
Thanks a bunch David! I hope it is helpful to you. All the best, Tony.
Good video mate. Is the watersnake still going strong?
Im looking at getting a watersnake slx 54/42 for my old 3.7m savage snipe. Was thinking a 200ah battery and getting rid of the old johnson 2 stroke all together. I know it wont set any speed records but just want some quiet hassle free fishing.
Cheers mate.
Thank you! Yes the Watersnake is still going great but I've plumped for an ePropulsion which is all sorts of awesome. 200AH will have you going all week. I plugged my Watersnake into a 19AH lithium battery that I have and it was able to run flat-out for just under 30 minutes on my 2.5m tinny. They are a very impressive motor for the price as long as you're not in a hurry. All the best, Tony.
Hello.
I am also looking at a water snake for my savage snipe. I’m interested to know. Have you used it on your boat yet and what is the outcome like?
I was thinking of 44/36.
Mark.
@@markjurcec9267 Hi Mark, Yes I used the water snake successfully for over a year and it was (is) great. I've just upgraded to an Epropulsion but I can recommend the watersnake for tender craft use and for small boats where speed is not a priority. The 44/36 is light, economical and very sturdy for the price. Despite what some people say, I used a lithium battery with no adverse effects. All the best, Tony.
I was wondering about putting on a sup board..
Would make for a fun ride...
Yes what mudbutton said.... Pulse Width Modulator.... i just got all the parts, adds a controller that only sends amount the motor needs.... not sure why the heck they would design a motor to waste precious battery life..